Exploring Careers in Sports: A Promising Path for Indian Students

Introduction

Gone are the days when careers in sports were limited to becoming a player or coach. The Indian sports industry has undergone a paradigm shift, with emerging opportunities across fields such as sports management, analytics, physiotherapy, sports law, journalism, and more. According to a report by FICCI and EY, the Indian sports industry grew by 11% in 2022 and is expected to surpass USD 100 billion by 2027. This rapid growth presents a sea of career opportunities for students passionate about sports but unsure how to make it a viable profession.

Why Consider a Career in Sports?

With India’s growing performance in international sports, increasing investments in sports infrastructure, and the boom of leagues like IPL, ISL, Pro Kabaddi, and more, the sports industry is no longer niche. It’s a full-fledged economic sector. The employment landscape now spans:

Athletic performance (professional sportsmen/women)
Support roles (physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists)
Management & administration (sports managers, event coordinators)
Analytics & data (performance analysts, strategists)
Media & communication (sports journalists, commentators, influencers)
Entrepreneurship (sports startups, training academies)

Current Landscape: Sports as a Career in India

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, sports and physical education sectors are contributing significantly to national employment. As per industry estimates:

India had over 3.2 million people employed in sports-related fields in 2023.
The IPL 2023 alone generated over INR 10,000 crore in economic value, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
With the rise in international medals, there has been a 250% surge in students enrolling in sports training institutions from 2015 to 2023.

Popular Sports Careers for Students

Here are some career paths students can consider within the sports domain:

1. Professional Athlete

Requires early training and rigorous discipline.
Opportunities exist in cricket, football, badminton, athletics, boxing, and newer fields like e-sports.
Scholarships are available through Khelo India and SAI programs.

2. Sports Management

Deals with organizing leagues, handling contracts, sponsorships, and logistics.
Institutes like IISM, MBA in Sports Management (Symbiosis, Amity) offer full-time programs.
Expected to grow at 15% CAGR till 2027.

3. Physiotherapy & Sports Science

Works closely with athletes to prevent injuries and improve performance.
India needs more than 10,000 sports physiotherapists to meet current demand.

4. Sports Journalism and Broadcasting

Covers match reports, commentary, sports marketing.
With digital streaming, sports journalism is now content-heavy and data-driven.

5. Sports Psychology & Nutrition

Focuses on mental and physical well-being of athletes.
Psychology in sports has been crucial for India’s Olympic wins—PV Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra credited their psychologists.

6. Sports Law

With rising endorsements and legal complexities, sports law is becoming essential.
Covers IP rights, anti-doping laws, player contracts.

7. Coaching and Training

Certified coaches are in demand at grassroots and elite levels.
NIS Patiala and SAI offer certifications in multiple sports.

Challenges Faced by Students

Lack of awareness about career options beyond being an athlete.
Parental pressure to choose conventional careers.
Limited access to structured training and mentorship.
Confusion over eligibility, required courses, and skill sets.

The Role of Career Plan B

Career Plan B understands these roadblocks and offers a structured roadmap for students interested in sports. Through personalized counselling, aptitude and psychometric tests, and one-on-one mentor sessions with sports professionals, we aim to:

Help students identify their true interests and aptitudes.
Provide career mapping based on psychometric analysis.
Connect students with certified coaches, institutions, and opportunities.
Offer parental counselling to align family support with student interests.

Case Study: From Confused to Confident

One of our students, Aryan from Chandigarh, was torn between becoming a cricketer and pursuing engineering. A Career Plan B psychometric test revealed his natural inclination for performance analytics and leadership. With guided counselling, Aryan is now pursuing a degree in Sports Management and interns with a local IPL team’s analytics wing.

Institutions Supporting Sports Careers

National Sports University, Manipur
Tata Football Academy
Gopi Chand Badminton Academy
Indian Institute of Sports Medicine
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences

These institutions are now offering specialized courses in analytics, training, sports law, and management.

Scholarships and Government Support

The Indian government is increasingly investing in sports through:

Khelo India Program – Financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per athlete per year.
SAI (Sports Authority of India) – Training and infrastructure.
TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) – Supports medal prospects for Olympics.

Private organizations like JSW Sports, OGQ, and GoSports Foundation are also providing scholarships and mentorship to deserving athletes and sports professionals.

How to Get Started?

Take a Psychometric Test to discover your core strengths and interests.
Consult a Career Counsellor who specializes in sports careers.
Explore relevant courses and institutions.
Get real-world exposure through internships, camps, or volunteering.
Stay updated with trends through sports news, platforms, and networking.

Final Thoughts

The sports sector in India is booming—and it’s not just for athletes anymore. From analysis to administration, therapy to technology, storytelling to law—there’s a place for everyone. With the right direction, tools, and support, students can convert their passion into a thriving career.

Career Plan B is committed to unlocking these doors and guiding students every step of the way. With a team of dedicated mentors, psychologists, and career experts, we ensure your dream to work in the sports world doesn’t remain just a dream.